How to Teach Your Kids About Autism Ahead of Back to School

Back to school is around the corner, and one of the most effective ways to support inclusion is to talk to your kids about differences.

Different brains.

Different bodies.

Different cultures.

All of it.

As a mother of two autistic children, I’ve had plenty of chances to talk to kids about the way my girls experience the world, and I wanted to share some talking points with you so that you too can explain it to your kids in a way they will understand.

Children aren’t born with prejudice—it’s learned—and when we teach them about differences, we set them up to participate in the kind of inclusion that can not only change their classroom—it can change the world.

“Some of our friends have brains that work a little differently. This is called autism. Our autistic friends are kids who want to learn and play, just like us.”

“Some friends dont use words to communicate. They might use a talker, or sign language, or gestures, or they may spell. They might have words but when you hear them, they sound more like a song, how cool!”

“Our autistic friends may prefer to play beside us instead of with us. They may like a specific toy a lot and always want to play with that toy. Just because they are beside you, doesn’t mean they don’t like you. You can always ask them if they want to play with you, and they will show you if they do.”

“Some friends might move their bodies in certain ways, like rocking, flapping, jumping, or even running around the room. They may also make noises. This helps their bodies feel better so that they can focus. Sometimes it also just feels good to them!”

“Our autistic friends may not look at us when we are talking to them, but they still hear us! Sometimes eye contact can feel overwhelming to them. But they are still listening.”

“There are all types of people in the world, which makes it a beautiful place to live. If someone is different from you, be curious. Be kind. Invite them to play. Include them. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. You can be the fastest, or the strongest, or the smartest, but the best thing to be is the kid who makes sure no one feels left out.”

Our children will grow up in classrooms and communities filled with people who think, communicate, move, and experience the world differently than them.

Inclusion doesn’t begin in adulthood, it begins in the classroom, on the playground, and around the dinner table.

Every conversation we have with our children about differences is a chance to raise the next generation that will chose curiosity over judgment, kindness over fear, and belonging over exclusion.

Love,

Lei